Introduction

This is The Ultimate Homemade Spaghetti Sauce—a rich, flavorful recipe that’s surprisingly simple to make from scratch. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners, it delivers authentic Italian taste with minimal effort. For more pasta inspiration, try this Easy Ground Beef and Parmesan Tortellini Recipe or these comforting Beef and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Recipe.

Ingredients

This rich, aromatic Homemade Spaghetti Sauce simmers to perfection with layers of savory beef, sweet tomatoes, and fragrant herbs for a truly comforting meal.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 15 ounces tomato sauce
• 6 ounces tomato paste
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley flakes
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Crushed red pepper flakes, to taste
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce recipe is about 20% faster than similar recipes, making it perfect for a quick yet flavorful weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Ingredients

Finely chop one large onion and mince 4 cloves of garlic. Measure out 28 ounces of crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, and your preferred herbs like 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano and basil. Having everything ready makes the cooking process smooth for your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.

Step 2 — Sauté the Aromatics

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5–7 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3 — Brown the Meat (Optional)

If using meat, add 1 pound of ground beef or Italian sausage to the pot. Cook over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no pink remains. For a richer flavor, drain excess fat before proceeding.

Step 4 — Add Tomato Paste and Deglaze

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Pour in ½ cup of red wine or beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. This adds complexity to your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.

Step 5 — Combine Tomatoes and Herbs

Add the crushed tomatoes, dried herbs, 1 teaspoon of sugar (to balance acidity), and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender briefly at this stage.

Step 6 — Simmer to Develop Flavor

Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and let it cook for at least 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce is ready when it has thickened slightly and the flavors are well blended.

Step 7 — Adjust Seasoning and Finish

Taste your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce and adjust salt, pepper, or herbs as needed. For freshness, stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh basil or parsley right before serving. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water.

Step 8 — Serve and Store

Toss the sauce with freshly cooked spaghetti and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese. Leftover sauce can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months.

Nutritional Information

Calories	180
Protein	8g
Carbohydrates	22g
Fat	7g
Fiber	5g
Sodium	480mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Ground Turkey or Chicken — Leaner protein option that still provides hearty texture with a milder flavor profile.
• Lentils or Mushrooms — Excellent plant-based alternatives that add meaty texture while boosting fiber content.
• Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash — Lower-carb vegetable options that pair beautifully with your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce.
• Nutritional Yeast — Dairy-free alternative to Parmesan cheese that adds a savory, cheesy flavor without dairy.
• Gluten-Free Pasta — Brown rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta work perfectly with this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce for those avoiding gluten.
• Low-Sodium Tomato Products — Use no-salt-added crushed tomatoes and tomato paste to better control sodium levels.
• Extra Vegetables — Boost nutrition by adding finely chopped carrots, bell peppers, or spinach to the sauce.
• Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream — Creamy dairy-free alternatives that create a rich, velvety sauce texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce over classic spaghetti noodles for a traditional Italian dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread and a fresh Caesar salad for a complete, comforting meal.
• Use the sauce for homemade lasagna or baked ziti for a crowd-pleasing casserole.
• Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for enhanced flavor and presentation.
• Perfect for weeknight family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep for busy schedules.
• Serve alongside a glass of Chianti or Sangiovese wine to complement the rich tomato flavors.

This versatile Homemade Spaghetti Sauce also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks or as a base for homemade pizza.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using raw, unseasoned tomatoes. Fix: Always sauté aromatics first to build a flavorful base before adding tomatoes.
• Mistake: Overcooking the sauce until it loses freshness. Fix: Simmer for 30–45 minutes to meld flavors without dulling brightness.
• Mistake: Skipping tomato paste. Fix: Cook tomato paste with aromatics to deepen the umami and richness.
• Mistake: Adding garlic too early, causing bitterness. Fix: Stir in minced garlic in the last minute of sautéing aromatics.
• Mistake: Not balancing acidity. Fix: Add a pinch of sugar or grated carrot to counteract tomato tartness.
• Mistake: Using dried herbs straight from the jar. Fix: Rub dried herbs between your palms before adding to release their oils.
• Mistake: Over-salting early in cooking. Fix: Season in stages and do a final taste adjustment before serving.
• Mistake: Skipping the fat. Fix: Use quality olive oil or a splash of butter to round out flavors and carry fat-soluble compounds.
• Mistake: Rushing the simmer. Fix: Allow the sauce to bubble gently, uncovered, to thicken and concentrate properly.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce completely, then store in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Portion sauce into freezer-safe bags or containers; it keeps well for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 165°F for food safety.

Always let your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing to maintain quality and prevent condensation.

Conclusion

This Homemade Spaghetti Sauce is perfect for a comforting family dinner. Try it tonight and let us know how it turns out in the comments! For more delicious pasta dishes, check out our Million Dollar Lasagna Recipe and Classic Lasagna Recipe. Don’t forget to subscribe for more recipes!

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FAQs

Can I make this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this Homemade Spaghetti Sauce in advance. It stores well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or can be frozen for several months. Reheat gently on the stove before serving.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce, let it simmer uncovered for an additional 10-15 minutes to reduce. You can also stir in a small amount of tomato paste for a richer, thicker consistency.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Absolutely. Use about 2 pounds of fresh, ripe tomatoes. Blanch, peel, and crush them before adding to the recipe. Your Homemade Spaghetti Sauce will have a bright, fresh flavor.